Paramount Pictures’ Monster Problems to film in Queensland

Queensland has secured yet another major film with Monster Problems, from Paramount Pictures, to be the first production to film in Brisbane’s new $12 million fit-for-purpose Screen Queensland Studios, based in Hemmant.

“Monster Problems is the second Paramount Pictures film we have secured in less than 12 months and highlights the strong relationship we have developed with this major U.S. Studio following their live-action version of Dora The Explorer filming here last year,” said Screen Queensland CEO, Tracey Vieira.

“The production will create approximately 260 job opportunities for Queensland crew with additional days for cast and extras, and provide four attachment opportunities to train Queenslanders in areas of skills shortage.

“Attracting Monster Problems provides enormous direct economic benefits with the entire production on track to spend more than $29 million directly in Queensland and utilise hundreds of small businesses in the region spanning facilities, equipment purchases and rental suppliers, construction materials, transport, catering, make-up and equipment hire,” Ms Vieira said.

Monster Problems continues the momentum Queensland has created ensuring the state is internationally recognised for its capabilities in making and attracting high-end productions and growing the local screen industry.

Dora the Explorer completed filming on the Gold Coast in November providing more than 350 jobs during production for Queensland crew and creatives, eight training opportunities and spending approximately $43 million directly in the state.

Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Entertainment’s Godzilla vs. Kong and ABC Studios International TV series Reef Break have both commenced production on location, as well as the Village Roadshow Studios, on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Local production is also strong with Queensland’s Hoodlum Entertainment currently in production for Harrow series two for ABC Studios International and broadcaster ABC Australia. Like A Photon Creative is in full animation production for The Wishmas Tree, one of the three animated feature films for international distribution from their new Brisbane-based animation studio.

“We remain committed to investing in local people and home-grown productions with the direct and indirect economic benefits creating more jobs and greater direct investment in Queensland,” Ms Vieira said.

“As well as filming at the Screen Queensland Studios, Monster Problems will also showcase Queensland’s stunning and diverse locations to an international audience and we’ll maximise tourism opportunities available during the filming and when released in cinemas around the world.”

Monster Problems is a coming of age feature film about a young man living in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by monsters. It is being produced by Shawn Levy (Stranger Things, Imaginary Mary) and written by Brian Duffield (Olive Forever, The Babysitter, Insurgent).

The film comes from the Paramount Players division of Paramount Pictures and will be directed by Michael Matthews.

The Queensland Government’s $50 million Production Attraction Strategy has been providing funding certainty to negotiate and secure back-to-back productions and helped Queensland establish a significant pipeline of screen production. These productions include: Monster Problems, Godzilla vs. Kong, Reef Break, Dora The Explorer, Aquaman, Thor: Ragnarok, Pacific Rim: Uprising, Kong: Skull Island, Tidelands, Harrow, The Shallows, Guardians of the Tomb, Hoges, At Last and Swinging Safari.